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墨書 Inktalez
9
That day, after watching Grandma Li, I knocked on Xia Jin Shen's door for the first time ever.
Xia Jinshen is quite frank and admitted right away that he and his father deceived us.
For the past ten years, Xia Jinshen has been in contact with his mother, and my mother and I have been kept in the dark for a whole decade.
In the beginning, Xiaojin sobbed in his mother's arms, saying he would love his mother for the rest of his life. I still remember that. But now he is enjoying life with his own mother using the compensation money from my mother's demolition.
I am really foolish, and my mother is even more foolish.
After marriage, my mother voluntarily gave all her savings to Xia Jinshen's father in order to maintain this family.
Now that mom is gone, Xia Jinshen immediately turned against me.
"I'm not afraid to tell you, even if my dad can't hold on in the hospital, you won't be able to get back the compensation for the demolition of your mom. That was voluntarily given to us by your mom. Now that your mom is dead, it's my dad's money. I am his biological son, and I am already an adult. You are not yet 18. Even if you want to sue me, do you think you can win?"
Xia Jin looked at my expression with great satisfaction. I couldn't believe that an 18-year-old could have such deep scheming, and had been hiding it for a whole ten years.
I looked at his cunning face and couldn't say a word, my throat trembling uncontrollably.
"What, do you want to hit me or cry? Spare me. Instead of wasting your time, why don't you get closer to Gu Tianqi? His family is quite wealthy. Maybe you can get pregnant and have him marry you, just like your mother did. Being a housewife like her wouldn't be so bad, haha..."
I forced myself to contain my disgust for this person and repeatedly told myself to stay calm.
I made an effort to take a deep breath and deliberately cleared my throat:
"Yeah, his family is wealthy. Otherwise, your mom wouldn't have abandoned you and your dad to marry his dad without any hesitation."
"What, how do you know...?"
"Your biological mother abandoned you in order to marry Gu Tianqi as his stepmother. Now she's over 40 and has given birth to a younger brother for Gu Tianqi."
"Now that you two have money, you're willing to pay attention to us again, am I right?"
"Shut up! Shut up! I'll kill you! Don't you dare say that!"
"Gu Tianqi, you actually knew at first sight that Xia Jinshen was the one, didn't you?"
Since I saw the photos taken by Grandma Li last time, I felt familiar, always feeling like I've seen Xia Jin's mother somewhere.
It wasn't until the day before yesterday at the parent-teacher meeting when I saw that woman attending as Gu Tianqi's mother, that I suddenly realized!
"Yu Zhiyao, do you know why I love to stir up trouble so much?"
"I didn't know before, but now I do."
"My younger brother is already 2 years old. Ever since that woman gave birth to him, the whole family's attitude towards me has changed."
"I understand. You just like to pick fights and get into trouble because you want your dad to pay more attention to you."
"Yu Zhiyao, you always ask me why I protect you. In fact, there are many reasons, not just because of Xia Jinshen and his mother. I have always had a suspicion in my heart. I always feel that we have experienced the same thing, but I still don't have conclusive evidence."
"The same? What do you mean?"
"My mother also passed away in a car accident. Haven't you ever doubted the cause of your mother's death? Was it really just an accident?"
What!
Gu Tianqi Actually has the same feeling as me!
Could it be that my mother's death was not really an accident?
Yu Zhiyao, where did you go last night? You didn't come back all night. Aren't you embarrassed as a girl?"
"I'm with Gu Tianqi, so what? Didn't you ask me to get closer to him?"
"Yu Zhiyao, you really have the shamelessness of your mother!"
"You forgot about the injury on your head, be careful how you speak."
"Okay, wait until after the college entrance examination, I'll show you and Gu Tianqi what it means to have nothing."
"Okay, I'll wait."
It's already April, and the college entrance examination is getting closer and closer.
Xia Jinshen really reminded me and Gu Tianqi that we need to speed up some things.
"Our class did really well in the mock exam this time, especially Yu Zhiyao. His math scores are already in the top three in the class."
This is the first time in my three years of high school that a teacher has praised me, especially a math teacher, which I never dared to imagine before.
All thanks to Gu Tianqi.
My math has gone from a weakness to a strength. Now my total score not only qualifies me for a the first choice in another city, but also for a 211.
I made a promise with Gu Tianqi to go to Yunnan once everything is over. I heard that the weather there is like spring all year round, and the scenery of Erhai Lake is incredibly beautiful.
Yunnan was also the graduation trip my mother promised me.
I thought that life would always be peaceful, but some people just wouldn't let me go.
One day, Gu Tianqi unexpectedly took a week off, and couldn't be reached through QQ or WeChat. Neither his school nor his family could find him.
A sense of unease began to emerge, especially when I saw An Jiaojiao's provocative gaze, which made me even more afraid.
Although my home is only a 5-minute walk from the school, I still have to pass through a dark alley without streetlights. During the day, there are already few people, and after evening self-study, the alley is pitch black.
I clutch my backpack tightly and walk quickly, feeling increasingly uneasy.
In the pitch-black alley, there is not a sound. I pray over and over in my heart, but I still hear that familiar voice.
"Yu Zhiyao, long time no see!"
12
Who! Who's talking!
"Oh, you've forgotten about us so quickly. Looks like I'll have to leave a deeper impression on you today."
"An Jiaojiao, I warn you, I'm not yet 18, I'm a minor. You just turned 18 last week, so if you touch me, you'll be legally responsible."
"Do you think you're the only one who knows the law? I may be an adult, but my sisters aren't, and I don't need to deal with you myself."
"Don't come any closer, I'll call the police! Be careful, you might not be able to take the college entrance exam."
"Don't worry, sister, I never even thought about taking the college entrance examination. I'm leaving the country in August, hands-on!"
"Let go! Let go! You are breaking the law! Help! Help!"
"Scream all you want, it's the most remote place near our school. Blame your dead mother for renting you such a good place, hahaha..."
I screamed as hard as I could until my voice gave out, but still there was no response, and they even became more ruthless.
I clearly felt the metal blade cutting my arm, and my legs were also severely hit by a wooden stick. Several wooden splinters even pierced into my flesh, but what's even more terrifying is that An Jiaojiao gruesomely broke all the fingers on my right hand...
The excruciating pain made me pass out instantly.
No one is helping me.
I'm in so much pain.
Mom, I'm in so much pain, really, really in pain.
Mom, please come save me, or take me away.
When I woke up, I was lying in Grandma Li's bed.
"Child, if it weren't for Grandma finding you, things could have been much worse."
"Grandma, don't cry... I'm fine..."
"Silly child, how can you say you're fine? The doctor said the bones in your right hand are all broken. You won't be able to hold a pen and write for at least six months. Even after it heals, it won't be the same as before. You're about to take the college entrance exam, what are we going to do..."
I raised my right hand, wrapped up like a rice dumpling, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't feel my fingers at all.
Counting the days in my head, there's only one month left until the college entrance examination, and I really can't write with my right hand.
I remember the efforts I've made day and night over the past six months, as well as what An Jiaojiao said to me last night before I passed out: "You want to change your destiny through the college entrance examination, right? I'll break your fingers and see how you can take the test. I really want to see how you can change your destiny!"
I forced a bitter smile. It seems that fate is not very kind to me.
Tears kept flowing uncontrollably, and Grandma Li couldn't help but cry even more when she saw me like this.
I need to pull myself together. I can't bear it any longer.
"Grandma, I want to make a phone call."
I took the phone and struggled to call the police with my left hand, and told Uncle everything about what I had experienced.
13
An Jiaojiao and her sisters were taken away by their uncle, along with the other people who bullied me at school.
Because my right hand has already reached the level of secondary disability, coupled with the fact that I cleverly recorded the audio that night, and the relevant regulations newly introduced by the country not long ago, this time they can no longer use the three words "underage" as a protective umbrella.
Everyone has received the punishment they deserve.
The leader, An Jiaojiao, went directly to the detention center, and the high-priced overseas offer she had obtained earlier also fell through. Her parents come to me every now and then to ask me to sign a settlement agreement, but she has ruined my lifelong prospects. How could such a thing be settled?
After the incident, the school's teachers paid special attention to campus bullying issues. Because the headmaster and class teacher had long turned a deaf ear to the problem, the education bureau removed them from their positions.
The new headteacher encourages everyone who has been bullied on campus to speak out about their experiences.
With my example in front and the standard legal provisions behind, the bullied students finally dare to speak up for themselves this time.
The campus atmosphere has become clean and fresh again, returning to the place filled with sunshine and hope. After that, I never saw Gu Tianqi again, only heard from a few classmates that he went abroad.
But I saw him the day before the college entrance examination.
"What's up, are you here to see me?"
"Is your hand feeling better?"
"It's not going to get better. I'm disabled now."
"I'm sorry, it's all my fault."
"It's not your fault. It's their own doing, and they have already been punished."
"At first, I solemnly promised to protect you, but now..."
"Don't say that. Aren't we both getting what we want from each other?"
"Yu Zhiyao, don't say that."
"We are using each other, why make it so sentimental now? We are people from two different worlds, right?"
"Yu Zhiyao, you clearly know that I like you. Even if you are afraid to accept me, even if you want to push me away, you don't have to say such hurtful words."
"You've misunderstood me. I am just such a heartless and unscrupulous person."
"I'm leaving tomorrow, don't be like this."
"Go live your rich second-generation life in the United States, there's really nothing worth clinging to with someone like me who has no background, no looks, and is basically disabled."
"Yu Zhiyao, I'm sorry. I know I disappointed you by not showing up that night. I don't expect your forgiveness, but please, you must take a look at this. I'm begging you."
After Gu Tianqi finished speaking, he handed me a USB drive. I took it and immediately turned away, allowing my tears to fall without Gu Tianqi seeing.
Through these six months of being together, it's fake to say that I'm not moved, but the gap between him and me is insurmountable. Someone like me doesn't deserve a future with him.
Now I have more important things to do.
And, in this world, the only one who can truly protect oneself is oneself.
14
In the blink of an eye, it's already July, and the college entrance examination results have finally been released.
Although my score was lower than the mock exam when I answered the questions with my left hand, I can still go to a big city to study for the first choice.
I was so excited that I kissed my left hand. In the month before the college entrance examination, I practiced writing with my left hand every night, even if my hand cramped up. Although I didn't finish the test in the end, the result was still very good.
Grandma Li made a delicious meal for me, she held my left hand and wiped her tears. I thought if my mother were still here, she would definitely do the same.
After receiving the college acceptance letter, I immediately ran to the cemetery to tell my mother. I opened the package in front of her and loudly read every word on the acceptance letter, especially repeating the major several times.
"Mom, I've chosen to study law. Your daughter will become a lawyer in the future. After I study law, no one will dare to bully me or you again. We will be able to protect ourselves with the law."
"Mom, Mom, I'm going to college. Are you happy? Can you see me from heaven, Mom..."
I can't control my sobbing anymore, crying out all the grievances I've suffered in the past six months.
Mom, your daughter is very strong. She no longer needs anyone to protect her. From now on, she can finally protect herself.
It's my 18th birthday today, and besides the acceptance letter, I also brought a piece of cake.
It's my favorite mango flavor. Before, because Xia Jinshen was allergic to mango, my mom always didn't buy me mango-flavored cake to accommodate Xia Jinshen.
Today I turned 18, and finally got to eat it.
This cake is so sweet, so sweet. I didn't realize mango cake could be so delicious. I can't believe I'm just trying it now.
When I came back from the cemetery, it was already evening. The old rented house my mom had rented was already expired, Xia Jinshen moved out after finishing the college entrance examination, and I was taken in by Grandma Li. I'm already 18, so starting tomorrow, I can go out to work and make money.
I hadn't even gone upstairs when I smelled the delicious aroma of Grandma's cooking - braised pork and shredded pork with garlic sauce, both of which I love.
"Back already? Hurry and wash your hands for dinner. Grandma has cooked braised pork for you and there's watermelon in the fridge that she bought."
The apron Grandma is wearing is the same one my mom gave her, even the color is the same.
I looked at Grandma Li's back and couldn't help but say, "Mom, I'm back."
After that, I found a part-time job at a convenience store. The manager used to have a good relationship with my mom, almost like sisters, so she took special care of me.
Not only did they not schedule me for the late shift, they also paid me the full-time standard hourly wage and even treated me to lunch.
Although my mother is no longer here, the light in my life still carries my mother's shadow. Grandma Li and the store manager are both like that.
Mom always tells me to treat others well, not to do evil, and that good people will always be rewarded.
I didn't understand the weight of these words before, but now I truly feel from the bottom of my heart that my mom is really good, and she is truly an amazing woman.
When I was packing my luggage at night, I suddenly remembered the USB drive that Gu Tianqi had given me before. I hadn't had a chance to look at it yet!
There's no computer at my grandma's house, and I didn't even have time to change my work clothes. I immediately rushed to the internet cafe.
Open it, there are five or six folders inside, some with videos, some with text, and many pictures and screenshots of chat records.
I patiently started to look through it carefully from the beginning.
After 3 hours, the truth finally came to light.
That night, I didn't go home. Instead, I stood under Gu Tianqi's building, carefully counting the floors.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8!
That's right, it's the 8th floor!
Gu Tianqi showed me the photos, and I saw the woman who was hanging clothes on the balcony of the 8th floor and Xia Jinshen.
Sure enough, after Gu Tianqi and his father went abroad, now Xia Jinshen and his mother have taken over this apartment.
After looking at the USB flash drive, I realized that the day Gu Tianqi disappeared was the same day he found the evidence. In order to find solid evidence, he followed that woman for several days and nights.
He finally recorded the phone call of that woman in its entirety.
The man on the phone had a hoarse voice and kept urging her for money. The woman impatiently said, "Are you annoyed? What's the rush? It's not like I won't give you the money. After I got rid of that woman last time, didn't I immediately give you the money? Are you afraid I won't give you the money?" The chat records in the folder also clearly documented the entire process of the woman hiring someone to create an accident.
I was so angry that my hands were shaking. My mother's smiling face still lingers in my mind. She was such a kind person, why was she treated this way?
Just as I was about to dial 110, the last folder in the USB drive made me change my mind.
I have a better way to get justice for my mother.
16
Resting that day, I bought a fruit basket and went to see "Dad" who was still in a coma.
Sure enough, Xia Jinshen is here.
"What are you here for? Get out of here!"
"What's the rush? I'm starting school soon and won't be coming back. I came to see Dad before leaving."
"You don't need to see him. From now on, we have no relationship. Please leave."
"Dad has been lying here for over half a year, it's obvious that the injury is serious. Has your mom come to visit?"
"What's it to you? Just leave, okay! Don't bring bad luck to my dad!"
"I think the person behind that car accident must have wanted to take our dad's life, but she didn't expect that my mom would be so foolish as to disregard her own safety to protect your dad's head."
"What are you talking about?"
"I forgot the photos of the accident scene? If it weren't for my mother protecting your father tightly, he would have died long ago! How could he still lie here for you to see every day? My mother saved your father's life! Do you understand?"
"You filthy b*tch, if you dare to talk nonsense again, I will tear your mouth apart."
I calmed my emotions a bit and took out the printed chat records and a recording pen from my bag.
He knows his mother's WeChat profile picture and voice the best, so he couldn't argue that it wasn't his mother.
When the recording reached its final sentence, I deliberately raised the volume. The woman's voice was cold and ruthless, just like Xia Jinshen's before.
"I want the man in the car and that woman to die together, do you understand?"
I looked at Xia Jin with a deep sense of astonishment, and replayed it considerately once again.
"I want the man in the car and that woman to die together, do you understand?"
"Enough! Yu Zhiyao, what the hell do you want to do?"
"I said I just came to see my dad, and after seeing him, I'll leave."
I'll leave once I put down the fruit basket. Before leaving, I handed Xia Jinshen a photo. It was taken on his 18th birthday, with the four of us smiling happily.
Especially Xia Jinshen, there is still cream on the tip of his nose, and his parents look at him with pride and indulgence in their eyes.
But now, mom is gone, dad can't wake up either, everything has changed, and can never go back.
"You have let down the most sincere and precious love from my mother to you."
"Unwilling, unable, relentless, imprisoning oneself, is this the ending you wanted? Brother."
I seemed to hear crying behind the closed ward door, the voice was low and seemed to carry a hint of regret.
One afternoon a week later, local news suddenly reported a major fire.
The location happened to be the woman's home. Reports said that the fire was extremely fierce, with a total of 2 casualties, a man and a woman. The woman was around 40 years old, and the man was a recent graduate from Jiangzhong this year, having just been admitted to university at the age of 18.
After the news was broadcast, the class group chat exploded, and classmates quickly recognized the 18-year-old boy as Xia Jinshen.
I leaned heavily against the back of the chair, actually I had anticipated this outcome a few days ago.
I heard that the woman took all of Xia Jinshen and his father's money and was preparing to take her son abroad. Not only did she blacklist Xia Jinshen, but she also stopped paying for his father's hospital expenses. Last night, Xia Jinshen's father was kicked out of the hospital due to long-term unpaid fees, and in the end, he couldn't make it and left.
I gently closed my eyes, and tears streamed down my face one by one.
I sighed deeply, asked for half a day off from the store manager, and told my mom everything in detail.
Mom, I have finally avenged you. You can finally rest in peace.
17
I applied for a student loan, and even though I only worked for a month, my boss still paid me for two months and gave me a big red envelope.
Before leaving, Grandma Li and the store manager had a meal with me.
They kept praising me, just like family members do to their juniors, and kept urging me to call them often. They also said that they would be my family in the future, and asked me not to be afraid, but to keep moving forward forever.
That day, I drank liquor for the first time. The fiery alcohol flowed down my throat to my stomach, and I let out a deep breath. I let go of all the past hatred. This is my hometown, the place where I was born and raised. It's not just about pain here; there is also the most sincere warmth.
I will always remember everything that happened, and then live on well with the love from my mother.
On the day I left home, the store manager and Grandma Li both came to see me off. The store manager handed me a big bag of snacks to eat on the way, and Grandma Li made me a dozen small pancakes.
Grandma cried, repeatedly reminding me to take care of myself and to come back when I have time off.
I know, I will definitely come back. Here are my relatives and my mother who will forever rest here.
The train is very slow, and in my headphones, Mao Buyi's "A Mountain Road" is playing on repeat. I look at the mountains and waters outside the window and think of the appointment in Yunnan with Gu Tianqi.
But I still didn't go to disturb him. I know that if I want to meet him again, I have to work harder. After entering university, I participated in various legal public welfare activities day and night. Every holiday, I would go home to see my grandmother and the shopkeeper.
Finally got the qualification for recommended admission to China University of Political Science and Law before starting my senior year.
After a long absence, I posted on my Moments and got a bunch of friends who I haven't been in touch with. One of them, a high school classmate named Gu Tianqi, left me a message.
" Zhiyao, are you going to Beijing with Gu Tianqi?"
Even though it's been over 3 years since we last spoke, my heart still trembles uncontrollably at the sound of his name.
Back then, I owed him such a big favor and said so many foolish things.
I really want to see him, even if it's just one more time.
After graduating from college, I returned to work part-time at the store. This time, I bought a neck massager for my grandmother and some clothes for the store manager when I returned home.
I filled in the store's address as the delivery location for the graduate school admission letter. Just like four years ago, as soon as I received it, I immediately took it to show my mother.
This time I found my mother's grave surprisingly clean. Someone must have come to visit my mother, and my sixth sense tells me it must be Gu Tianqi, but even so, I still dare not go to find him.
Just as I turned around to leave, I heard by my ear:
"Long time no see, my great lawyer."
18
It's him, it's really him!
I ran towards him with all my might, and he opened his arms to embrace me.
This time, I didn't back down, and neither did he.
"It's been four years, Gu Tianqi, I've been waiting for this hug for four years."
"Yu Zhiyao, I finally see you again, I miss you so much."
"Gu Tianqi, I'm sorry."
He used all his strength to pull me into his arms: "Don't say sorry, and don't push me away again. Let me protect you, for a lifetime, I beg you."
Later I learned that he had been inquiring about my news all these years. He knew that I was going to Beijing for postgraduate studies, so he set up his company in Beijing. He also knew that I would go home for vacation, so he returned to our hometown before me.
In this world, there are not so many chance encounters. All reunions are nothing but the result of a thousand premeditated plans.
Grandma also told me that Gu Tianqi often sends things to her, and the store manager said that most of the goods in the store are also given by Gu Tianqi.
It turns out that Gu Tianqi has done so much behind my back, and I feel like a fool.
On the night before I was about to leave for Beijing, my grandmother asked Gu Tianqi and me to have dinner at her house.
My grandmother's white hair has increased, and her hands have started to tremble. Gu Tianqi and I discussed that we would bring my grandmother to Beijing after we settled down there.
Grandma smiled at me and didn't say anything, she just took out her heirloom jade bracelet from her bosom and gave it to me.
"I can't accept this, Grandma, it's too precious."
"If you consider grandma as family, then accept this. Only if you accept it, can grandma rely on you to take care of me when I'm old, hahaha." Grandma joked as she put the jade bracelet on my hand.
"Yu Zhiyao, you have gained another family member."
"Another one? Who?"
"I'm right here in front of you."
"Yu Zhiyao, grandma thinks this young man is good, when are you two getting married?"
"Grandma, you're talking nonsense, we're not there yet..."
"Grandma, you're right."
Gu Tianqi Suddenly interrupted, then straightened his clothes and knelt down on one knee.
"Yu Zhiyao, will you marry me? Let me become your lawful husband, and we will be together for the rest of our lives, never to be separated, in life and in death."
"I..."
"This time, I won't let you go. Wherever you want to go, I will go with you. Protecting you has become my habit, and I can't quit it."
"Gu Tianqi, I'm willing!"
Grandma put a jade bracelet on me and then placed my hand in Gu Tianqi's hand.
"My dear granddaughter, I'm entrusting you to him. You must take good care of her. Grandma wishes you both happiness."
Gu Tianqi took out a ring from his pocket, and the inside was engraved with my name and birthday.
At this moment, I couldn't control my tears, but this time it was because of happiness.
Before leaving, Gu Tianqi and I went to see my mother. I made a vow in front of her grave that I would live happily, carrying her spirit and living well. I will love myself and others without reservation, treat everyone around me kindly, and learn to protect myself, not giving anyone the chance to bully me again.
My graduate research direction includes further improvement of campus violence laws. Although there are already legal provisions, I believe that with the efforts of me and my peers, this law will definitely become more and more perfect, until the law does not let any abuser go, until every young person can bravely say no, until there is no excuse for anyone to act recklessly with minors.
My ideal is for all young people in our country to grow up positively in the sunshine.
From being the person getting rained on to being the person holding the umbrella.
Mom, can you see it from heaven? Your daughter has really made it.
19
(A few years later)
"Honey, walk slower. Our second baby keeps kicking me, and I can't walk fast."
"Alright, alright, my dear wife. I'm just afraid of missing the flight."
"Why are we going to Yunnan again this year? Ever since we reconciled, we've been going to Yunnan every year. I'm almost becoming a Yunnanese."
"I'm fulfilling the promise of our youthful agreement. I have to explore every corner of Yunnan."
"Okay, can we go to a place like Sanya or Xiamen next time? I want to see the sea."
"No problem, I'll change the flight tickets now."
"Ah ah ah!"
"What's wrong, what's wrong?"
"Our little treasure kicked me again."
"I understand, our darling doesn't want to change the plan, so we still have to go to Yunnan!"
"Mom, Dad, wait for me, wait for me."
"Come here, son. Dad will carry you and run a few steps. I was so busy talking to your mom that I forgot about you."
"Honey, son, look back!"
I took out my phone and snapped a picture, my husband holding our son, both making a victory sign.
Not bad, I'm very satisfied with this photo. Looks like I'll be changing my phone wallpaper again.
"Honey, son, wait for me!"
[Finished]
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